New Year, New Goals

Making New Year’s resolutions is easy. Keeping them can be a challenge.

The early months of each year inevitably see droves of people giving up on New Year’s resolutions they had every intention of maintaining. Don’t fall into that group—read on for tips that can help you keep and accomplish your resolutions.

Start small. Keep your resolutions manageable by being aware of your strengths and limitations. Pick a goal you know you can achieve, even if it’s as small as replacing overly sugary snacks with healthier options, such as yogurt or a banana.

Be specific. A concrete plan can help you articulate specific goals. For example, you could say, “I’m going to get in better shape this year,” or you could say, “By the end of the year, I am going be able to run a 10K race.” The latter goal comes with tangible milestones you can use to track your progress, and seeing that progress can keep you motivated.

Don’t underrate support. Having someone who cares about you to listen to and encourage you will help you remain motivated and upbeat about your goals. Accountability can be useful as well. Find a friend who has resolutions similar to yours—exercising more, for example—and set up a time to get active together.

Don’t beat yourself up, but do congratulate yourself. Keeping a positive mindset helps you get through the tough times. Track your progress and give yourself a pat on the back when you reach milestones.

Above all, be patient with yourself. Making lifestyle adjustments takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. All of the small changes you’re making can add up to bigger change long-term.